Is it normal to be scared to answer my home phone?

66% Normal
9 Comments

I don't really know where this has come from, or a reason why.

I don't know why I am scared of answering the home phone, but I get a feeling and don't answer it. Even if I was standing next to it and it was ringing, I'd be hesitant and scared to answer it.

However, I am fine with answering my mobile. I don't know if it's some sort of unconscious thing where I'm only comfortable with answering my mobile, because I know who is ringing me.

I know being scared to answer the phone is a phobia (telephobia)and I'm aware it's normally started because of a bad previous experience, but I can't think of any.

If you have any advice, or suggestions to help me, I'd be deeply grateful.

Thanks

Voting Results
66% Normal
Based on 70 votes (46 yes)
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Comments ( 9 )
  • almostunreadable
    12 years ago

    Maybe because you don't see who is calling (unlike on your mobile
    phone)?

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  • Anonymous Post Author
    12 years ago

    Thank you so much guys. You've all been a great help! I've now got caller ID, and it has resolved most of my problems. It took a while to set it all up, but it's working now :) I also took some 'face your fears courses' too and that helped. I'm now able to answer the phone with minimal problems, and it has really helped. I honestly can't thank you all enough.

    Yours sincerely
    J

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  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago

    I used to have this. I HATED answering the phone. It's because I was afraid of who would answer and what I would say when they did answer; it was a fear that I would embarrass myself on the phone with no clue of what to say and fearing that I would just be lost for words (in a bad way). I think it may be the same with you?

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  • wigsplitz
    12 years ago

    I do this too, I think it's because there's been lots of times where I thought I knew who was calling but it turned out to be someone I REALLY didn't want to talk to. I don't like being caught off guard like that. I even have caller ID but sometimes I mistake numbers or think it's an important call and it turns out to be someone I'm either not prepared to talk to or don't want to talk to at all.

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  • georgienne
    12 years ago

    For some reason, I don't answer landlines anywhere. It's not fear, I'll just sit through it and ignore it, whether it's my parents' or my boyfriend's. I started doing this years ago, dunno why...

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  • bronte_91
    12 years ago

    Get caller ID. Then you will know who is calling you just like with your mobile. I always freak out slightly when an unknown number rings my mobile. haha

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  • Zoroaster
    12 years ago

    I don't even use a land line anymore, no need. Just a cable modem for internet access and a cell phone. My advice is unless you need it for business or something, just disconnect it and use your cell phone, it will be money in your pocket each month and you won't have anything to fear anymore! It's normal though, as far as phobias go.

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  • Cken92889
    12 years ago

    I'm the same way as you, I never answer the phone. Sometimes I get this feeling and I won't even answer my cell phone. But never the home phone ::Shudder::

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  • firefly88
    12 years ago

    I feel the same way. Totally normal. Normal to fear the unknown

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